Adebayo, others must prove capacity to govern- Uche, Methodist Prelate

The Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Uche, has called on aspirants ahead of the 2027 general election to demonstrate clear capacity to govern, insisting that Nigeria can no longer afford leadership driven by sentiments rather than competence. In this interview with David Lawani, the cleric speaks extensively on the role of the church in politics, the persistent challenge of insecurity, leadership expectations, and the urgent need for national rebirth, anchored on righteousness, patriotism, and selfless service

The church is often said to be isolated from politics, and some believe this has contributed to bad governance. What is your take on this assertion?

Politics is fundamentally about leadership, how to lead the people and organise society in an orderly way. Historically, one could say the church is the mother of politics. Great empires like Rome and Alexander’s gave birth to modern political systems, but religion informed their moral fabric. The church is composed of human beings who are part of this country. Because of that, they are inherently involved in the leadership of their nation. It should be their concern to see how the country is governed and how things are done. So, I believe the church is, and has always been, involved in politics.

If the church is truly involved, why does Nigeria still face a myriad of challenges?

Is there any country in the world without challenges? Challenges have existed since the world began. What we need is for those in authority to govern and lead the masses in righteousness. The Bible says righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Our leaders must embrace justice, equity, and enthrone the rule of law, the law of the land and that of the international community. Without law and order, there is chaos.

The 2027 election is fast approaching, and political activities are already underway. In what way can the church participate to ensure we have servant-leaders in various positions?

Before Nigeria gained independence, we had figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Herbert Macaulay. Were they not Christians? And they were the champions of Nigeria’s democracy. The church has been involved in politics from inception, and at this critical time, it will not relent but become even more involved. In fact, people of faith, like our Islamic brothers, have also been in leadership because they believe in the Almighty God. Those interested in the forthcoming elections should do things in the fear of God. However, I believe Christians should be deeply involved—not as a corporate church, but as individuals. The people who make up the church should be deeply involved in politics, from registering political parties to running for office, ensuring that good candidates emerge. They should be concerned with rendering service, serving their country diligently, and making a positive impact.

Insecurity has become a cartel that appears to have defied all solutions. What is the solution to this challenge in your view?

When people love their country, insecurity will decrease. Unfortunately, much of this insecurity is sponsored by disgruntled politicians, all because they want to outsmart, outdo, and run each other down. The bandits and hoodlums are sponsored. Remember what happened during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan? Insecurity was rampant because some wanted him to leave the office. Currently, some people are importing bandits from West Africa to ensure the current administration is also rubbished. But let me tell you a simple truth: my father used to say, ‘If a hen drops its excreta on its eggs, it will ultimately soil both the eggs and itself, because the hen has to sit on them to incubate.’ In the same way, those sponsoring insecurity in Nigeria are shooting themselves in the leg. Insecurity in Nigeria is sponsored mostly by political heavyweights and people of ill will, and unfortunately, they are using it to destroy the peace and harmony of the nation.

What is the way out for the common man, who is at the receiving end and feeling the brunt of this insecurity?

There is a need for genuine repentance—not just from the followers, but from the political class, religious leaders, and traditional rulers. We need to love our country and stop throwing stones from a glass house. If you live in a glass house, you don’t throw stones at another person’s. There must be a serious commitment to avoid the downfall of our nation. We need a change of heart and attitude. Once we do that, Nigeria will overcome its insecurity challenges, and there will be peace. But if we continue trying to outsmart each other for political reasons, the insecurity will persist.

Since independence, our leaders have often been elderly. When can we have the young at the helm? At the moment, younger aspirants are emerging. What do you make of their chances?

I don’t want to mention names, as that would make me partisan. Whether the candidate is old or young, all we need is good governance, someone who loves the country and has its best interests at heart. I don’t condemn older people for having experience, nor do I condemn the younger ones for having dynamism. But they must have a love of the country and a desire to make it better, more prosperous, and more peaceful. We need those who will govern us well, whether they are from the South, West, North, or East. That is welcome as far as I am concerned. I have no preference except for candidates with a godly heart.

What do you make of President Tinubu’s government now that it’s been in for three years?

To the ordinary citizen, good governance means food on the table, affordable education, affordable means of livelihood, and access to social amenities. These are the things the masses are clamouring for. All the big figures and complex economic terms we hear on television, billions, trillions, how do they impact the commoner? I appeal to the President, his administration, the governors, and legislators: please do more to solve the people’s problems. Love your country. Listen to the heartbeat of the people you are leading. When you see citizens in pain, pacify them and do what will bring them relief. There must be respite for Nigerians. When this administration achieves that, everyone will be happy. On the other hand, Nigerians should have faith in their country, keep hope alive, and genuinely love their nation, and everything will be well. Nigerians are quick to criticise, but we don’t always balance our criticism with constructive engagement. Our approach is often total condemnation. But let’s be honest: even if you brought Jesus to rule Nigeria, some people would find fault.